How to Keep VPN Connected When iPhone Sleeps?

goseango wrote:

A few outraged people have already replied asking “Why?”, so I’ll answer that directly first.

I use a VPN on my iPhone because I no longer live in the country where most of my interests are. I turn it on so I can see the kind of programming I actually want, and so my recommendations and results feel local to where my heart still is.

It is important to know the Why question because some users believe they are getting increased security by using a VPN and are being mislead by the marketing in much the same way as AntiVirus software is marketed. The truth with a VPN is that your device is now less secure, so if that is the reason for VPN use, then it should be immediately removed as the user is actually doing the exact opposite of what they believe they are trying to accomplish.

In addition the number one reason for internet connectivity problems, as seen on this website, is due to the use of the VPN and once removed all problems go away. This can be verified quite easily by using the Search option on the top of this page and typing "VPN" into the search box.

If you are not experiencing a problem with your VPN with your current configuration, then you should be very happy. Unfortunately that is not the case for most users and if problems pop up, the first recommendation will be to remove the VPN and test again. From the reports by users here, that was all that was needed to solve the problem they were experiencing. The reported issues found using the search option include: no network connection errors, unable to access the App Store, can't connect to Wifi, and not being able to use AirPlay.

Those problems have been so prevalent that Apple even included a Support Article for those experiencing the network problems, with the VPN as being identified as a possible cause and to test again with it removed.

If your device has network connectivity issues, check for VPN and other third-party security software - Apple Support

That is the reason the "WHY" question is so important.

WadeCupper wrote:

How can I keep my VPN connection active on iPhone even when the device goes to sleep or the screen locks? I’m using Cisco AnyConnect, and I will lose connected every time when I wake up my phone.

I'll ask the same thing AlWeir asked. WHY, are you even using a VPN on your iPhone? VPNs are not needed, cause connectivity issues and most definitely DON'T provide the security you think they do. Actually quite the opposite, unless you want your search history sold to anyone willing to pay for it.

This might be insightful --> VPN: What you need to know - Apple Community

You couldn't pay me to install a VPN on my Apple devices.

goseango wrote:

A few outraged people have already replied asking “Why?”, so I’ll answer that directly first.

I use a VPN on my iPhone because I no longer live in the country where most of my interests are. I turn it on so I can see the kind of programming I actually want, and so my recommendations and results feel local to where my heart still is.

You realize that's likely illegal, right?

Why are you even using a VPN on a iPhone?

A few outraged people have already replied asking “Why?”, so I’ll answer that directly first.

I use a VPN on my iPhone because I no longer live in the country where most of my interests are. I turn it on so I can see the kind of programming I actually want, and so my recommendations and results feel local to where my heart still is.

I’ve been very happy with Windscribe. It stays connected even after the phone sleeps, and when any of my devices wake up, the VPN is still set to the same city I left it in. I also haven’t noticed any slowdown in speed at all.

Just sharing what’s worked well for me.

I totally agree with you. I only use the VPN when I need a particular site to work by virtue of the location I'm "spoofing" essentially. In all other cases I turn it off. The iPhone works much better without one. But for the limited ways I am using it, the one I mentioned is solid, whereas other ones, immediately mess up the operations of the iPhone even if your location is the only thing you need it for. I was just responding to what I perceived as snark from some other responses who aren't as well-spoken as you are.

goseango wrote:

I totally agree with you. I only use the VPN when I need a particular site to work by virtue of the location I'm "spoofing" essentially. In all other cases I turn it off. The iPhone works much better without one. But for the limited ways I am using it, the one I mentioned is solid, whereas other ones, immediately mess up the operations of the iPhone even if your location is the only thing you need it for. I was just responding to what I perceived as snark from some other responses who aren't as well-spoken as you are.

So I gather you don’t have the problem of the original poster, with VPN disconnecting when the iPhone sleeps?

The answer to that is if the iPhone is accessing only Wi-Fi and not cellular data it’s because Wi-Fi disconnects when the iPhone sleeps, unless it is connected to power.

Correct. If I fall asleep whilst watching a video or something, the VPN is automatically reconnected upon reawakening. I sometimes forget it was on and as soon as I need to utilize something in my home, like WiFi speakers, I am quickly reminded and turn it off.